UN calls for probe against Myanmar military leaders over Rohingya killings

Afternoon Voice

5 months ago

The United Nations, in an independent investigation, has called for probe and prosecution of Myanmar military leaders for “genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes” against Rohingya Muslims.

The report, as quoted by CNN, questioned the military ethics while saying, “Military necessity would never justify killing indiscriminately, gang-raping women, assaulting children, and burning entire villages. The Tatmadaw’s tactics are consistently and grossly disproportionate to actual security threats, especially in Rakhine State, but also in northern Myanmar.”

Naming six military leaders including Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the report further suggests that the case should be referred to International Criminal Court in The Hague, or for an ad hoc tribunal to be created to investigate the actions of the alleged perpetrators.

Radhika Coomaraswamy, a mission member in Geneva told media on Monday that “such overwhelming evidence” of wrongdoings has been found and that the command had “such effective control from what we could gather that we could name … who was responsible.”

“There are people we’re very sure should be investigated,” she added.

The report also states that the State Counsellor, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi did not use her de facto position as Head of Government, nor her moral authority, to stem or prevent the unfolding events in Rakhine State.

UN’s recommendation to refer the case to International Criminal Court has also gained the support of multiple humanitarian organisations including Amnesty International and Save the Children.